Cairngorm Mountain welcomes planning approval for mountain toboggan

Issued on behalf of Cairngorm Mountain (Scotland) Ltd 

Cairngorm Mountain (Scotland) Ltd is delighted that planning permission has been granted for its proposed mountain toboggan development, marking an important milestone in the company’s ambition to establish Cairngorm Mountain resort as one of Scotland’s leading year-round mountain destinations.

The development represents a significant opportunity for Cairngorm Mountain, helping to attract more visitors throughout the year, diversify the range of activities available and reduce the business’s reliance on increasingly unpredictable winter weather.

Mike Gifford, Chief Executive of Cairngorm Mountain (Scotland) Ltd, said:

“We believe this project will be a real game changer for the resort. It will provide an important new source of income, helping to strengthen the company’s long-term financial sustainability and create opportunities for continued investment in the facilities, infrastructure and visitor experience at Cairngorm Mountain.

“Importantly, the development will also help underpin the future of skiing at Cairngorm Mountain. By creating a more diverse and financially sustainable business, with additional income throughout the year, it will strengthen the financial foundations needed to continue investing in the mountain’s winter operations, facilities and infrastructure. A stronger summer business will help support a stronger winter business.”

The benefits will extend well beyond the mountain itself. Independent economic research estimates that the toboggan could generate £484,000 in additional annual visitor expenditure across the wider Badenoch and Strathspey area, benefiting local accommodation providers, restaurants, shops and other tourism businesses.

As demonstrated around the world, attractions such as the proposed mountain toboggan offer visitors of all ages, including those with limited mobility, an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and experience the unique landscapes of special places like the Cairngorms National Park.

The project also represents an important investment in the future of the local visitor economy, encouraging people to visit outside the traditional winter season and helping to support businesses and employment throughout the year.

Mike Gifford added:

“We are absolutely delighted with this decision by the Cairngorms National Park Authority Planning Committee. The mountain toboggan is about much more than introducing a new visitor attraction. It is about investing in the future of Cairngorm Mountain and creating a stronger, more sustainable business that can continue to contribute to the local economy.

“We have made significant progress over the last year, and this development is an important next step in our plans to diversify the business, attract new visitors and create more reasons for people to visit the Cairngorms throughout the year. It will also bring significant benefits to the wider Badenoch and Strathspey community, supporting local businesses and helping to strengthen the area as a year-round visitor destination.

“We would like to thank the Planning Committee for supporting the proposal and everyone who has contributed to the successful outcome. Our team will now begin work on the next steps, which include producing a detailed business case to seek funding followed by a public procurement process for the various aspects of the project.”

Cairngorm Mountain (Scotland) Ltd looks forward to working with the Cairngorms National Park Authority, local businesses, community partners and other stakeholders to bring the development forward.